# Polietes Polietes are small flies that are often found buzzing around in gardens and parks. They play an important role in nature by helping to break down waste and pollinate plants. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Polietes](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Polietes.lardarius.male.jpg&width=800) Photo: James K. Lindsey, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Polietes.lardarius.male.jpg) ## Appearance The Polietes is a medium-sized fly, typically grey to black, sometimes with a subtle metallic sheen. It often has noticeable bristles on its body and legs, giving it a somewhat robust appearance compared to smaller, smoother flies. Its wings are clear with distinct veins. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Muscidae - **Genus:** Polietes ## Interesting facts - A Polietes fly can beat its wings hundreds of times every second! - Polietes can see almost all around them at once, thanks to their amazing eyes! - Some flies can lay hundreds of tiny eggs in her lifetime, helping new flies grow! - They rub their legs together like tiny acrobats, cleaning off dust and grime! ## Special abilities - **Agile Navigator:** Polietes can perform lightning-fast maneuvers in flight because of small, club-shaped halteres that help them balance. - **Compound Vision:** Polietes has large compound eyes, packed with thousands of lenses, that help them detect movement from almost every direction. - **Taste Buds on Feet:** Polietes can taste food simply by landing on it with specialized receptors on their feet that help them find yummy meals. - **Nature's Recycler:** Polietes larvae are important decomposers, feeding on decaying organic matter that helps recycle nutrients back into the soil. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 10-20 mm - **Size:** 5-10 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-60 days - **Flight Speed:** 5-15 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adult Polietes enjoy sugary liquids like nectar, while their young munch on decaying plants and fungi! - **Age differences:** Adults feed on liquids like nectar and sap, while larvae consume solid decaying organic matter. - **Primary Foods:** nectar, plant sap, decaying fruits, rotting leaves, fungi - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [House Sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — Adult Polietes flies are a food source for these birds. - **Pollinates:** [Dandelion](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dandelion) (*Taraxacum officinale*) — Adult flies visit these flowers, helping to spread pollen. - **Depends on:** [European Beech](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-beech) (*Fagus sylvatica*) — Larvae feed on the decaying leaves and wood of these trees. - **Hunts:** [Spotted Flycatcher](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-flycatcher) (*Muscicapa striata*) — This bird actively catches adult flies in flight for food. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Scavenger](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/scavenger): Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low It's best to watch flies from a distance and not touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Polietes? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Polietes's wingspan? 10-20 mm ### How big is Polietes? 5-10 mm ### How long does Polietes live? 30-60 days ### How fast can Polietes fly? 5-15 km/h ### What does Polietes eat? Adult Polietes enjoy sugary liquids like nectar, while their young munch on decaying plants and fungi! ### Where is Polietes usually found? Urban areas ### How does Polietes hunt? Foraging ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Polietes: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/polietes)